Page 36 of Sweetheart

"I'll try to tone it down," he said, but I didn't believe that for a second.

"So?"

Sam cocked his head. "And if I said I'm not interested inBrisa? What would happen then?"

"Well, that would ruin the whole plan," I said slowly, letting that sink in. "She's integral to everything. My undying gratitude really is priceless—but if Brisa's not part of the deal, I don'tsee what would be in it for you."

Sam stayed silent.

"In that case, I guess you wouldn't have enough incentive to help with my list, so I'd ask one of my backups.I don't know the other guys that well. But like I said, I can be persuasive."

He grunted.

"That's all moot, though, because you do want to get back together with Brisa," I said. "Don't you?"

A few moments passed.

Sam stared at me while I stared at him.

Until finally he said, "I told you before, Kent.I'm in."

"Okay," I said."Me, too."

Stepping forward, I held out a hand.

"What's that?" Sam said.

"I figured we should shake on it, make it official," I said.

He cocked his head. "It's not really that kind of deal."

"I know.Just think, you get the girl, and I get my list. It's the best sweetheart dealever."

"I think we should kiss."

My eyes went wide. "What?"

Sam grinned at the look on my face—or maybe it was the shock in my voice. I couldn't be sure. "I said, we should kiss. Feels more appropriate than a handshake. All things considered."

"Okay."

"Really?" he said, and before I could talk myself out it,I nodded. "You sure you don't want your first kiss to happen somewhere specific, like a library or in front of a crowded stadium?"

"My sister's the one who loves libraries," I said past the lump in my throat, "and I hate crowds."

"Come on, Scarlett. I bet you're one of those girls who's imagined their first kiss a million times."

More than that.

"I know it's on your list. Butare you sure you weren't saving your first kiss for someone special?"

Lifting my chin, meeting his eyes, I said, "Just do it. Lunch is almost over."

"So romantic," he said sarcastically, but when he wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me closer, placing the other hand against my cheek, I shivered. "Don'tworry, Kent. I've got you."

I knew he did.

That was what made me shiver.

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